Abstract/Summary

Geodiversity is the variety of rocks, minerals, fossils, landforms sediments and soils,
together with the natural processes which form and alter them. It delivers important
ecosystem services through its influence on landscape, habitats and species, economic
activities, historical and cultural heritage and people’s health and well-being. Understanding
of geodiversity also has a key part to play in climate change adaptation and in sustainable
management of the land, river catchments and the coast. The aim of this study was to
undertake an assessment of the value and status of geodiversity in Scotland and to develop
the basis for a national framework to enable better integration of geodiversity within relevant
policy areas, including helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s Strategic Objectives.
Main findings
 The geological development of Scotland has given rise to a remarkable geodiversity
for a country of its size. Many sites in Scotland are of great importance to geoscience
for their rocks, fossils and landforms, demonstrating important geological processes
or events. Scotland’s marine geodiversity is less well known, but also includes
outstanding features.
 Geodiversity is important both as an intrinsic part of the natural heritage and
because it provides ecosystem services and functions for the benefit of Scotland’s
people and environment. In doing so, it contributes to the delivery of the Scottish
Government’s 5 Strategic Objectives, National Outcomes and the 5 key themes for a
Greener Scotland. The ‘ecosystem approach’ provides a potentially powerful
framework for developing better integration of geodiversity and biodiversity, as well as a
means of demonstrating the wider values and benefits of geodiversity through its
contribution to delivering ecosystem services.
 Understanding geodiversity has a key part to play in adapting to climate change and
sea-level rise. Changes in geomorphological processes are likely to have significant
implications for most ecosystems. Effective conservation strategies for managing
ecosystem responses will need to work in sympathy with natural processes. The
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concepts of working with nature and making space for natural processes have
broader value to society as a whole.
 Pressures on geodiversity arise principally from planning developments and land-use
changes. These may damage key features, impair their visibility and accessibility or
fragment the interest. Sites located on the coast, adjacent to rivers or on active slopes
are most likely to be impacted by climate change, sea-level rise and increased erosion
or flooding. The human responses to these changes, in the form of ‘hard’ coastal
protection or river and slope engineering are, however, likely to have the greatest
impact on geodiversity.
 A separate commissioned review of the current Scottish policy environment
concluded that there was limited recognition of the value of geodiversity in a range of
relevant key areas such as economic development, landscape, climate change
adaptation, health, recreation and education.
The following conclusions were reached:
 There is a responsibility to ensure that the best geodiversity sites and features
continue to be protected not only as part of our geoheritage, but also as an essential
resource for field education, training and lifelong learning.
 The concept of biodiversity and our need to protect this component of the natural
heritage at local, national and global scales is relatively well developed and
understood at a strategic level. It forms the basis for much of the effort and activities
in nature conservation and is relatively well integrated into the wider policy
framework. Conversely, the concept and values of geodiversity are less well
appreciated and, by comparison, relatively undervalued and poorly integrated.
 Proposals for the vision, aim and outcomes for a ‘Scottish Geodiversity Framework’
are set out for discussion. Such a framework would help to ensure that geodiversity
is recognised as an integral and vital part of our environment, economy and heritage
to be safeguarded for existing and future generations. It would instigate a process
through which key stakeholders would work together to identify strategic priorities for
geodiversity action, in a similar way to ‘The Scottish Soil Framework’. It would help to
achieve an environment in which the rich geodiversity of Scotland can be
understood, valued and conserved, and make geodiversity relevant to the way we
work and live, as well as the decisions we make about a sustainable future for our
environment, for both people and nature. In doing so, it should contribute to
delivering the Scottish Government’s National Outcome on Natural Resource
Protection and Enhancement.
 It is proposed that a ‘Scottish Geodiversity Framework’ covers the following areas of
activity:
1. ‘Future-proofing’ ecosystem services, particularly in a context of climate
change and sea-level rise.
2. Integration of geodiversity into all relevant policies.
3. Sustainable management of geodiversity for the wider benefit of Scotland’s
people, environment and economy.
4. Conservation of geodiversity.
5. Raising awareness of the values and benefits of geodiversity and their
contribution to ecosystem services.
6. Improving understanding of geodiversity and key knowledge gaps.
 Promoting wider awareness, understanding and involvement is also crucial. At
policy, planning and decision-making levels, there is a need to make understanding
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of the way the Earth works one of the cornerstones of sustainable development.
Improving public awareness and engagement at a community level is also essential.
 In the present economic climate there is a need to strengthen links with the business
community to generate financial returns as well as real benefits for geodiversity from
geoconservation and use of the Earth’s resources in a sustainable way.
 It is recommended that the framework outlined in this report provides a starting point
and should be developed and formalised through the mechanism of a ‘Scottish
Geodiversity Forum’ or Working Group, set up with the support of the Scottish
Government with clear leadership and appropriate convening power and involving
appropriate partners and stakeholders. This should also be tasked with preparing a
prioritised implementation plan, targets and actions.